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Google Search on Android can find your info in apps and offline

A new tab pulls info only from compatible apps on your device.

LG V10

Since 2013, Android users have been able to use Google Search to find things stored within the apps on their phone, and now that feature is getting an upgrade. Google announced tonight that a new "In Apps" section of the search bar will only show results from apps you have installed, like contact info, specific messages, music, videos and notes. Google also noted that in this case, the searching happens on your phone, instead of in the cloud, so it can work offline.

Keeping the feature on-device also brings to mind Apple's WWDC 2016 claims about how its deep learning tech works to protect privacy, and users can control which apps show up in the search results (your all-Zayn playlist is between you and Spotify).

LG's upcoming V20 phone (the V10 is pictured above) will launch with support for the feature via a dedicated shortcut on the homescreen and its unique second screen. Whenever the update hits your phone (even with Nougat installed, I couldn't see it unless I joined the beta) expect to see results from Gmail, Spotify and YouTube for now, with Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn, Evernote, Glide, Todoist and Google Keep coming soon.

Google In-app search